Box



June16,1936. I HI L 2,044,301

3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTQR Irv/fig MU OREY 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 BOX Filed Oct. 22, 1934 l. HILL June 16, 1936.

I. HILL June 16, 1936.

BOX

Filed Oct. 22, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet I5 the box illustrated in Figures passes June a, rose attach "YT sex a Irving Hill, LawrencefKana, asslgnor to The Lawrence Paper Company, Lawrence, Rana, a

' corporation of Application October 22, 1934; Serial i io. "ldi9,ii94 I 19 Claims. (Cl. 229-39) This invention relates to boxes and more particularly to those of that character constructed of fibre or like board, and has for its principal object to provide a box of this nature with selflocking means to reduce the time required in sealing the box, to provide for opening and closing of the box for inspection ofits contents, and to permit reuse of the box.

Other important objects of the invention are to increase strength of the box for stacking, and to increase the end and side compression, as well as corner strength without materially increasing cost of the box or the material required in its construction.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the invention, as hereinafter set forth, I have provided improved details of structure, the preferred forms of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

\Fig. l is a perspective view of a box embodying the features of the present invention and Hillstrating the flaps in locked condition.

Flg. 21s a similar perspective view of the box showing the top and bottom flaps in open condition.

Fig. 3 shows the bottom flaps moved to locked position and one of the top flaps in closed position.

Fig. 4 is, a vertical longitudinal section through the box particularly illustrating the locking tabs in position.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail perspective section particularly illustrating the lock features of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a similar perspective section showing the locked parts in engaged position.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 6 illustrating the method of sealing the lock.

Fig. 8 is a similar lock has been sealed.

Fig. 9 is a plan view ofa blank from which 1 to 4 is formed.

Fig. 10 is a modified form of blank wherein both sets of locking tabs are engaged with the ends of the box.

Fig. 11 is a modified form ofthe invention wherein the reinforcing flaps are folded outwardly on the exterior of the box and provided with lock-engaging openings.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary section of a still further modified form of the invention.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

I designates a box constructed of fibre or like board from a single blank 2 shaped to form pairs of opposed-side walls 3-8, and 5-6 which are defined on the blank by parallel score lines I and 8 and transverse score lines 9.10, H and I2. Extending laterally from the side walls along the score lines 7 and 8 of the blank are sets of bottom flaps on the tively. The flaps extend coextensively with their corresponding side walls and are separated from each other by slits 2| which align with therespective transverse score lines 9, ill and It, as

shown in Figures 9 and 10.

In the blank illustrated m was the flaps l3 and i5 constitute the top closure flaps of the box and are of greater length than one-half the length of the side walls 5 and 6 to overlap substantially in the center of the box when the blank is folded. Similarly, the flaps l8 and 20 constitute the bottom closure flaps of the box and are of suflicient length to overlap midway of the side walls 3 and 4. The intermediate flaps I i-l6 and li -l9 constitute reinforcing flaps for the inner face of the side walls andfor this reason they are .substantially no greater in length than the depth of the side walls depending upon the amount of flap required to effect the desired degree of reinforcement.

In order to provide support for the top and side walls 5-6 and 3-6 respectively, the reinforcing flaps M-lt and -l9 are scored thereacross as at 22 and 23 in parallel spaced relation with the score lines I and 8, to form ledge portions 26-25 and 26-27 as later described. The blank also includes pairs of tabs 28-29, 30-3l projecting laterally of thetop flaps l3-l5 and corresponding tabs 32-33 and 36-35 on the bottom flaps I 8-20 to cooperate with aligning pairs of rectangular apertures perspective view after the.

36-31 and 36-39, located midway the width of the ledge portions 241-25 and the upper edges of the side walls 5-6 respectively, and aligning apertures ell-6| and i243, in the ledge portions 28-27 and inthe side walls d-d for forming the self-locking features of the box later described. Also formed on the end of the blank, coextensive with the 44 to connect with the opposite side wall 3 as now to be described.

In folding the box'blank the side walls are folded on the score lines 9, id, ii and i2 -to form a rectangularbcdy as illustrated in Fig. 2,.after which the flange to is stitched by staples 35 or score line i2, is a flange otherwise secured to the underlying edge 68 of y the side wall 3. The reinforcing flaps it-la 'and ll-IS are then folded on the score lines 7 and 8 and again on the score lines 22 and 23, so

' that the ledge portions 26-25 and 26-21 ex-..

tend horizontally ofthe top and bottom edges of the side wallsand the reinforcing flaps M-lh' and i'l-l9 extend inwardly of thebox with their edges, s as and @9-50, lying against the corresponding inner faces of the respective sidewalls .en the box for compression loads when the boxes are stacked in tiers. The inner flaps being spacedinwar'dly from the respective top and bottom edges of the side walls by the-ledge portions,

also strengthen the corners of the box to resist racking strains that may be applied diagonally thereof.

The tabs 28-28 and 34- -35 are provided with score lines 52 at the juncture thereof; with the flaps l3 and 20 so that they can be bent at righti angles thereto as shown in Fig. 2.-- Thetabs 30,-3i and 32-83 have similar scores 53, and spaced transverse scores 34 and 55, whereon the ends of the tabs are bent retractiyely and then doubled back as at 56 to provide cleat or lug portions 5|-58 and 59-60 conforming in shape and size to the openings 38 and 42-43 respectively The tabs thus described are. positioned so that when the top and bottom flaps are folded to lie on the ledges, the tabs will pass 2 through the respective openings 333'| and 40-'4l, the flaps being folded so that the tabs 28-29 and 34-45 are the first to enter the open ings in order that the flaps carrying the cleated tabs overlap the flaps carrying the plain tabs,

as shown in Figs. 3 and 2. The cleated tabs are positioned so that they will project through the openings in the ledges alongside the plain tabs, whereby the tabs are located in recesses 6|- -62 and 63-44 that are formed between the side walls and their reinforcing flaps. When the top and bottom flaps are in closed position the cleats on the tabs 3li'-3l and 32-43 are in position to spring into the openings 38-38 and 42-43 in the sides of the box. When in this position the inner' edges or. shoulders, that-are formed by the-folds, interengage with the edges 86, of the openings 38-49 and 42- 48 to lock the flaps in closed position to complete the box.

In orderto retain the lugs or cleats in functional position they are preferably stapled to the body portidn of the tab as indicated at 61: In order to facilitate entrance of the cleats the slots 38-49 and 42-43, as well as the cleats are preferably arranged so that the side edges thereof are located on the arc of a circle through which the tabs are carried as the flaps are moved to close the box." a

To release the tabs, the cleats thereon are pressed inwardly to permit the shoulders .65 to clear the engaging edges 33 of the openings whereupon the box flaps may be swung to open position, the tabs withdrawing from the ledge openings as the flaps are raised. Due to the fact that one cover flap overlaps the other, it is necessary to provide cleats only on one pair of tabs, for when the tabs on the overlying flaps are locked, the underlying flaps are held thereby against the ledge portions of the box. Attention is directed to the fact that the ledge por- .tions of the box not only provide extended bearing. supports for the ends of the cover flaps but they also provide better support for the superimposed boxes when the boxes are stacked in tiers. I

Should it be necessary to seal the boxes, 2. gummed strip 88 may be sealed to the inner faces -of the cleated tabs as shown in Fig. '7, priorto insertion of the tabs through thededge openings.-

. The free ends, 83,, of the strips are then extended through the ledge openings and withdrawn through the openings in the sides of the box as the tabs are moving into locked position. After the tabs 8113300381, the free ends of the strips aresealedvvertbeeleatsandm t theside said tab-engaging means.

faces of the box and over the ends of the closure flaps as shown in Fig. 8.

A box formed from the blank shown in Fig. 10 will have reinforcing flaps only at its ends, the edges 10 and H of the opposed sealing flaps 5 meeting midway of the height of thebox. In this form both the top and bottom flaps are locked at the same ends of the box.

In Fig. 11 the reinforcing flaps 12 are shown folded on the exlerior of the box and attached 10 to the end wall 13 by staples '14. The reinforcing flaps in this instance are provided with lockengaging openings 15 similar to the lock openings provided in the preferred form of the invention to receive cleats 16 of tabs 11. 15

If the box is not to be inspected after sealing oris not to be reused, the cleat-receiving open-. ing may be formed inthe reinforcing flaps as shown in Fig. 12. In this instance the locking tab 18 projects below the tab'19 and has a cleat 2Q portion 80 formed on its inner face which engages in the opening 8| that is provided in the reinforcing flap 82.

From the foregoing it is obvious that the flaps are automatically looked upon closing thereof, 2

by merely guiding the tabs through the ledge openings to latched position; and that the box can-be readily opened to inspect the contents thereof by pushing the cleat portions of the tabs out of locking position and lifting the cover flaps 30 to withdraw the tabs. Since the box is not 5 damaged in opening, it can be used repeatedly.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A box including pairs of opposed side walls. 35 reinforcing flaps on one pair of said side walls, a closure flap on, one of the side walls of the other pair, and tabs on the closure flap engageable between the said reinforcing flaps and said side walls when the closure flap is in closed position. 40 2. A box including pairs of opposed side walls having tab-engaging means on one of said pairs of side walls, reinforcing flaps on said pair of side walls having openings therein, a' closure flap on one of the side walls of the other pair, and tabs 4 "on the closure flap projectable through said openlugs and adapted to be engaged with said tabengaging means when the closure flap is in closed position.

3. A box including pairs of opposed side walls having tab-engaging means on one of said pairs, reinforcing'flaps on said pair of side walls, ledges formed by said reinforcing flaps and having openings therein, a closure flap on one of the side walls of the other pair, and tabs on the closure flap projectable through said openings and adapted to be engaged with said tab-engaging means. 4. A box including'pairs of opposedv side walls having openings therein, reinforcing fiaps on one I of said pairs of side walls, ledges formed byiseid Q reinforcing flaps and having openings in line with the first-named openings, a closure flap on one of the side. walls of the other pair, tabs on the closure flap projectable through said ledge openings, and cleats'on said tabs adapted to be en- 5 gaged'in said side wall openings. 5. A box including pairs of opposed side walls 'havin'g tab-engaging means cache of said pairs,

reinforcing flaps on said pair of side walls having openings therein, means securing the rein- 70 forcing flaps to said pair of side walls, a closure flap on one of the side walls of the other pair, and tabs on theiclosure flap projectable through said openings and adapted to be engaged with @dddil 6. A box including pairs of opposed side walls formed by said reinforcing flaps and having openings therein, means securing the reinforcing flaps to said pair of side walls, a closure flap on one of the side walls of the other pair, and tabs on the closure flap projectable through said openings and adapted to engage with said tab-engaging means.

'7. A box including pairs of opposed side walls having tab-engaging means on one of said pairs, reinforcing flaps on said pair of side walls having openings therein, a closure flap on one of the side walls of the other pair, tabs on the closure flap projectable through said openings when the closure flap is in closed ppsition, and cleats on the tabs adapted to engage with said engaging means.

8. A box including pairs of opposed side walls having tab-engaging means on one of said pairs, reinforcing flaps on said pair of side walls havin the tab-engaging means, bent to form recesses between said side walls and reinforcing flaps and having openings therein, means securing the reinforcing. flaps to said pair of side walls, a closure flap on one of the side walls of the other pair, and

tabs on the closure flap projectable through said openings into said recesses and adapted to be engaged with said tab-engaging means.

9. A box including pairs of opposed side walls, reinforcing flaps on one pair of side walls having horizontal portions provided with openings and having depending portions fixed to the side walls, said pair of side walls having openings located below the openings in the horizontal portions of the reinforcing flaps, closure flaps on the other pair of side walls, tabs on the closure flaps projectable through the first-named openings, and cleats on the tabs of one closure flap for engaging in the side wall openings.

10. A box including pairs of opposed side walls, reinforcing flaps on one edge of one pair of side walls and on the opposite edge of the other pairl closure flaps on the other edges of said walls, and means on the closure flaps engaged with said side walls to lock the closure flaps when in closed position.

11. A box including pairs of opposed side walls, reinforcing flaps on one edge of one pair of side walls and on the opposite edge of the other pair closure flaps on the other edges of said walls, and means on the closure flaps engageable between said reinforcing flaps and side walls to lock the closure flaps when in closed position. 1

12. A box including pairs f opposed side walls, reinforcing flaps forming ledges on one pair of side walls and having f'openingsiherein, said pair of side walls having openings located below the ledge openings, closure flaps on the other pair of side walls, tabs on the closure flaps for projection through the ledge openings, cleats on the tabs of one closure flap for engaging in the.

side wall openings, and sealing means connected with the tabs and extended through the side wall openings to seal over the outer face of the box.

. 13. A box including pairs of opposed. side walls, reinforcing flaps on one pair of side walls having horizontal portions provided with openings and having depending portions fixed to the side walls, said pair of side walls having openings located below the openings in the horizontal portions of the reinforcing flaps, closure flaps on the otherpair of side walls, tabs on the closure flaps projectable through the first-named openings, cleats on the tabs of one closure flap for engaging in the side wall openings, and sealing means connected with the cleated tabs and extended through the side wall openings to seal over the outer face of the box.

14. A box including pairs of opposed side walls, reinforcing flaps on one pair of said'side walls and having openings therein, ledges formed by said reinforcing flapsand having openings above the first-named openings, means securing the reinforcing flaps to said pair of side walls, a closure flap on one of the side walls of the other pair, tabs on the closure flap projectable through said ledge openings, and cleats on said tabs adapted to engage in saidflrst-named openings.

15.. A box including pairs of opposed side walls, reinforcing flaps exteriorly of one pair of side walls and having openings therein, ledges formed by said reinforcing flaps and having openings therein in line with said reinforcing flap openings, a closure flap on one of the side walls of the other pair and tabs on the closure flap projectable throughsaid ledge openings and having cleats engaging in said reinforcing flap openings.

16. In a box structure including side walls, a reinforcing flap on one of the side walls having a ledge portion provided with an opening therein, said reinforcing flap having an opening below the ledge opening, a closure flap on another side wall, a tab on the closure flap projectable through said ledge opening, and a cleat on said tab engageable in the reinforcing flap opening below the ledge opening to lock the closure flap when in closed position.

17. A box including pairs of opposed side walls, reinforcing flaps on one pair of said side walls and having openings therein, ledges formed by said reinforcing flaps and having openings above the firstrnained openings, means securing the reinforcing flaps to said pair of side walls, a closure flap on one of the side walls of the other pair, and tabs on the closure flap projectable through said ledge openings and adapted to engage in said first-named openings to lock the closure flap when in closed position.

18. In a box structure including adjacent side walls having an opening in one of the walls, a reinforcing flap flfid to said wall having the opening and having an opening at the 'upper edge thereof in line with the side wall opening, a closm'e flap on the other side wall, a tab on the closure flap proiectable through said flap opening when the closure flap is in closed position, and a cleat on said tab adapted to-engage in said side wall opening to lock the closure flap.

' 19. A box including pairs of-opposed side walls having openings therein, reinforcing flaps fixed to the upper edges of one pairof opposed side walls and on the lower edges of the other pair of: opposed side walls. said reinforcing flaps having openings spaced from and in line with the side wall openings, closureflaps on'the other edges of said walls, tabs on the closure flaps insertable through said'flap openings, and cleats on said tabs engageable with said side wall openlugs to lock the closure flaps when in closed posi-' tion.

IRVING HILL. 

